Hostages in Gaza were swapped for Palestinian prisoners in Israel. The last 20 living hostages were released on Monday morning.
After President Trump announced the Gaza agreement, it was unclear when hostages would be released or when aid would enter the territory.
President Trump’s plan contains elements that Hamas has resisted in the past, and which may yet prove to be sticking points.
The president’s comments and a note from Marco Rubio hinted that the two-year-long conflict may be about to pause, if not end.
For President Trump, success in brokering a cease-fire is the ultimate test of his self-described goal as a deal maker and a peacemaker.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, both architects of President Trump’s plan to end the war, are expected to join mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, both architects of President Trump’s plan to end the war, are expected to join mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas.
The somber milestone comes with peace talks underway, hostages from the Hamas-led attack still in Gaza, more than 67,000 Palestinians dead and Israel more isolated than ever.
As Israelis brace for a day of mourning and commemoration, negotiators for Israel and Hamas met with mediators in Egypt to hash out an end to the war.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel took credit for an emerging agreement, but it was clear that President Trump was calling the shots.